Thank You for the Words

Below is a poem written by a friend about, and for me.

No one has EVER written me a poem and I thought since it's the first (and possibly the only time) this happened, it truly is momentous for me. It means a lot to me. I just hope she doesn't mind... (Let me know if you do)

Have you pointed at someone and said, “He’s one of a kind”,
Well, I can say so, for this one friend of mine,
Once you meet him, I'm quite sure, you’ll never be the same,
And if you must know, Kenneth Chaw is this person’s name.

He smiles, he screams, and OCCASIONALLY pouts,
He’s someone special, there is no doubt,
To a dear friend of ours that’s going away,
Here’s a thing or two I want to say.

The recyclable bags you carry simply make you, you,
Your contagious laughter brings smiles that are nothing but true,
One of the warmest person I know, you’re everybody’s friend,
You’re often just a phone call away, ready to lend a hand.

You’re someone special, irreplaceable to many of us,
More valuable than gold, and silver, maybe even a Merce,
Thanks for all you’ve done for the CF, I’m glad to have served with you,
I highly doubt that many can do what you do.

Go reach those stars in life, whatever they may be,
Maybe a copywriter or who knows a sailor conquering the seas,
Whatever it is, know that you’re special and there’s no one like you,
I wish you the best, and pray God’s blessings in all that you do.

I know God will be with you in your days ahead,
And I know you’ll be great, having that said,
You’re truly awesome don’t you ever dare forget,
And don’t forget to call us, drop by and come for a chat!

I’m glad our paths have crossed,
I believe many would say the same,
Having shared conversations together
And jokes and punchlines, both funny and lame,

You have a heart for people, that really shows,
You’re a person who cares, and that, people know,
You have a way and are very gifted with words, that I have say,
Whether you’re MC-ing/sharing in CF or simply asking about a person’s day.

A person so sincere and who speaks with much heart,
It’s such a pity that we now have to part,
But I know greater things are in store for you,
So take those steps, and promise to stay the same too.

And if you ever change, here are conditions one and two,
First and foremost, do it only because it’s truly good for you,
And if that’s not the case, number two, change only because YOU want to.
This is my one humble request though change is good, it’s true,
Just please don’t change for no good reason, for I’d cry if you do.
For who else can be the special Kenneth we’ve grown to know and love, if not you and only you?

Just thought you should know that I’d miss you,
A person so fun, and lively, and with a big heart too,
I’ll remember you for a long time, of that I know,
So that’s just it, the few words from me to you before you really go.

by Lim May Zhen

***

I still remember that day. The poem was read out on the day I stepped down from some role I was in charge of (okayla, it wasn't just some role, I've learned a lot from it), and she read it out loud to the audience.

I sat among the audience, chuckling on references made about my fashion choices i.e. recycling bags and got almost teary-eyed about that change bit (in blue).

Thank you for the words, May Zhen. This is for those times when I'm tempted to bask in self-loathe and it helps just to remember that there is someone out there who believes in me.

Thank you.